McLoughlin House National Historic Site
Perched on a bluff overlooking the scenic Willamette River in Oregon City, the McLoughlin House National Historic Site serves as a tangible link to the early settlement of the Pacific Northwest. This historic unit comprises two significant residences—the McLoughlin House and the Barclay House—offering a glimpse into the domestic lives of the pioneers and explorers who shaped the region during the mid-19th century.
Key Facts
- Location: McLoughlin Park, Oregon City, Oregon.
- Established: The McLoughlin House was built in 1845.
- Designation: Named a National Historic Site in 1941 and added to the NRHP in 1966.
- Affiliation: Part of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the National Park System.
- Total Area: 0.6 acres.
The McLoughlin House: From Mansion to Museum
The primary residence was constructed in 1845 by John McLoughlin after he left the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company. Having purchased a land claim on the Willamette River, McLoughlin built a two-style colonial mansion, a design typical of East Coast residences of that era. He resided in the home until his death in 1857.
Following the death of McLoughlin's widow in 1860, the property changed hands several times. By 1867, the heirs had sold the house, and it eventually served as a bordello known as the Phoenix Hotel. The structure faced a critical threat in 1908 when a local paper mill sought to expand its operations, which would have resulted in the home's demolition.
Preservationists intervened in 1909, raising over $1,000 and successfully overcoming a referendum to save the landmark. In 1910, the house was moved from the riverfront to its current position on the bluff. After twenty-five years of dormancy, it was restored between 1935 and 1936 by the Civil Works Administration (a New Deal agency) and opened as a museum.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Barclay House
Adjacent to the main residence is the Barclay House, built in 1849 by John L. Morrison, a pioneer carpenter from Portland. The home was occupied by Dr. Forbes Barclay, an explorer and close associate of McLoughlin, and his family. Dr. Barclay lived there until his passing in 1874.
The Barclay family maintained ownership of the home until 1930, at which point it was moved from the waterfront to its current location next to the McLoughlin House. Today, the Barclay House supports the site's operations, housing museum offices and a gift shop.
Preservation and National Significance
The site is deeply integrated into the American commemorative landscape. It is situated along the Oregon National Historic Trail, a designated part of the National Trails System. In 2003, both homes were officially incorporated into the National Park System as part of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Visitors to the site can find the graves of John McLoughlin and his wife on the premises. The interior of the McLoughlin House is preserved with a collection of both original and period-accurate furnishings, maintaining the atmosphere of a 19th-century colonial home.
| Feature | McLoughlin House | Barclay House |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1845 | 1849 |
| Original Owner | John McLoughlin | Dr. Forbes Barclay |
| Architectural Style | Two-style Colonial | Pioneer Residential |
| Current Use | Museum | Offices and Gift Shop |
| Relocation Date | 1910 | 1930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the McLoughlin House built?
The McLoughlin House was constructed in 1845 after John McLoughlin purchased a land claim on the Willamette River.
What is the history of the Phoenix Hotel?
After the McLoughlin heirs sold the house in 1867, the residence was converted into a bordello known as the Phoenix Hotel.
Who built the Barclay House?
The Barclay House was built in 1849 by John L. Morrison, a pioneer carpenter from Portland.
Is the McLoughlin House part of a larger park system?
Yes, it became a National Historic Site in 1941 and was added to the National Park System in 2003 as part of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Where are John and his wife McLoughlin buried?
The graves of John McLoughlin and his wife are located on the premises of the historic site.